Nine smart things to do while job hunting

Nine smart things to do while job hunting

If you’re looking for work, it pays to use your time wisely. Here’s how

By Sophie Cole

Question: what’s the smart thing to do while searching for work?

Answer: use the time constructively to look after yourself and improve your employability.

Establish a routine so you have a reason to get out of bed and on with your day.  

That’s the view of the experts at Just Recruitment, who have an enviable track record of placing candidates in jobs that are just right for their skills. We asked for the advice they’d give to people who are between jobs. This is what they had to say.

1. Stay motivated

“It’s easy when job hunting to find yourself slipping into a feeling of laziness or indifference to the world,” says Tracey Bates (Business Manager). “Take pride in your appearance. Establish a routine so you have a reason to get out of bed and on with your day. Use the space in your schedule to attend to stuff that’s easily put to one side when you’re busy with work.

“Those niggling health complaints you’ve been ignoring? Get to a doctor and have them checked out. That long overdue spring clean of your house? Get it done and you’ll feel a whole lot better about everything.”

Nine smart things to do while job hunting2. Get moving

“Use your spare time to enjoy some physical activity,” advises Jody Collings (Business Manager). “Working up a sweat will release endorphins in your body, making you feel positive and upbeat. That’ll come over when you apply for jobs, giving you a particular edge in interviews.

“If money’s tight because you’re not earning, there are loads of free resources online, including YouTube videos on everything from Yoga, Pilates and Zumba to Kickboxing, Martial Arts and Dance. So get downloading and get dancing: you’ll reap the rewards.”

3. Think about what you want from life

“Now’s the moment to stand back and really think about where you’d like your career to go,” says Bridie James (Business Manager). “This is particularly important if you’ve been dismissed from a role, as identifying where things went wrong will aid your learning for the future.

“Now’s the moment to stand back and really think about where you’d like your career to go,”...  

“Whatever the circumstances that led to you being on the job market, you’ve got some welcome space to stand back, take stock, and work out what you want to happen next. With a clearer vision to drive you, you’ll have bags more energy and a much sharper focus.” 

4. Pick up some new self-care habits

“Looking after yourself is important, but self-care can easily slip when you’re busy searching for work,” says Bridie. “Make time every day just to be. Maybe try some meditation techniques or stress management. Work on improving your sleep pattern or develop your time-management skills.

“The important thing is to establish self-care habits that will endure, even when you’re back in employment. That will help prevent burnout, making you a healthier, happier person.

Nine smart things to do while job hunting5. Improve your career prospects

“One reason people struggle to find work is that their qualifications aren’t right for the vacancies available,” says Jody. “But this challenge is easily overcome: there are loads of free or low-cost courses that can enhance your skill set.

“Many of these courses can be easily completed through a few weeks of self-supported study. So you can tackle them in bite-size chunks, helping to keep you motivated and giving your CV a welcome boost in the process.”

6. Don’t be too proud to ask for help

“If you’re struggling financially while looking for work, you shouldn’t be embarrassed about asking for the support you’re entitled to,” says Tracey. “There are lots of state benefits available, especially if you’ve paid National Insurance contributions for more than two years. These include Universal Credit, Job Seekers’ Allowance (JSA), and Housing Benefit.

There are whole communities online dedicated to saving you money,...  

“There’s a load of helpful information and guidance on the gov.uk website, or you can visit a Job Centre to find out exactly what you’re entitled to.”

7. Embrace your inner miser

Bridie says that some of her most dynamic candidates use their business acumen to save themselves money while job hunting.

“If you know where to look, there are loads of ways to reduce your spending,” she says. “That can relieve some of the financial pressure of unemployment. There are whole communities online dedicated to saving you money, including VoucherCodes, Topcashback, Quidco and moneysavingexpert.com.”

Nine smart things to do while job hunting8. Overhaul your online profile

“If you’ve time on your hands, it makes a lot of sense to bring your social media profile up to date, and delete any embarrassing or awkward posts,” says Jody.

“Make sure your online presence shows you in the best possible light. Lots of recruiters will check you out before deciding whether or not to interview you. Give yourself a digital spruce-up. You may find your job prospects receive a welcome shot in the arm.”

9. Be tempted by temping

Kelly Lewis, who works in the Sudbury office, says that searching for permanent work may not be the smartest move for some job hunters.

“There are so many interesting temporary roles available that I advise some of my clients to consider these first,” she says. “For some people, temping provides a way of testing out a number of different jobs before settling on a favourite. For others, it’s a way of building their CV and making contacts with potential employers. Whatever your motivation, it’s a great way to earn while you’re applying for permanent posts.”

You can check out Just Recruitment’s selection of temporary and permanent, full and part-time jobs here. Happy hunting!

 

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Published: 4 July 2025
© Copyright Just Recruitment Group Ltd 2025

Jobs currently available

New job
Customer Account Coordinator
Sector: Customer Service
Salary: £30,000 - £32,000 per annum
Location: Sudbury
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913733
About the role

Just Recruitment is partnering with a growing business on the outskirts of Sudbury to recruit a Customer Account Coordinator to join their established team.

The key purpose of this role is to deliver efficient, commercially focused customer service to both internal and external customers. This includes managing order acceptance and invoice processing in line with business and customer requirements, and working closely with teams across Sales, Production, Accounts, Quality Control, Regulatory, and Distribution to ensure customer expectations are consistently met.

Key duties include:

  • Ensuring that excellent levels of customer satisfaction are delivered to customers and building strong relationships with customers through open and interactive communication.
  • Receiving and processing all customer purchase orders within 24 hours and sending order acknowledgement or confirmation where appropriate. Ensuring that correct pricing information is available for new orders received, and if necessary, request information or guidance from the relevant Sales Manager.
  • Providing timely responses to internal and external customer requests and enquiries, for example, order status requests, order amendments, transportation delays, etc.
  • Proactively monitor orderbook status on a regular basis, resolving problems with a potential customer impact, e.g. credit blocks, production and supply issues.
  • Allocation of stock to orders to allow warehouse and distribution teams to process dispatches.
  • Managing customer portals where required, to keep customers informed of order progress, book delivery slots, print labels and upload documentation.
  • Liaising with site production teams, supply chain and commercial teams regularly to discuss production plans, potential new orders, review and maintain customer safety stock levels. Discuss any potential production issues or raw material delays and, where possible, assist with resolutions.
  • Producing and distributing invoices and supporting documentation daily.
  • Monitoring and maintaining stock levels to ensure customer requirements are met. Discuss upcoming orders, customer forecasts, and reorder levels for UK inventory.
  • Being responsible for the timely processing of corrective credit notes.
  • Receiving, processing, and monitoring customer complaints with relevant internal departments and Sales Managers, keeping customers updated on the progress and outcome in a timely, professional manner.
  • Keep regular contact with site-based QC teams to discuss any customer queries, potential issues or opportunities.

Key requirements for this role:

  • Minimum 3 years’ experience in customer service
  • An open-minded, flexible attitude to meet the requirements of the business
  • Able to communicate effectively
  • Proven numerical and analytical skills
  • Ability to demonstrate own initiative
  • Computer literate
  • Ability to effectively prioritise activities
  • Experience/understanding in logistics

This is a full-time, site-based role working Monday to Friday.

Free parking is available on-site.

Hours of work: Monday to Thursday, 8:15am–4:30pm, and Friday, 8:30am–2:30pm.
Includes a 30-minute unpaid lunch break, totalling 36.5 hours per week.
Holidays – 26 days plus bank holidays.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Multi-skilled Maintenance Engineer
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Competitive
Location: Sudbury
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913732
About the role

Just Recruitment is partnering with a global organisation with a manufacturing facility near Sudbury. They are looking for a talented Multi-Skilled Maintenance Engineer to join their expanding team.

Key roles and responsibilities include:

  • Assist with the layout of the site, being involved with and understanding the installation of new services during the development of the site
  • Assist with the layout of the equipment, being involved with and understanding the installation of new equipment and the production process flow
  • Be a key member of the Engineering team in the creation of the:
    • Site Engineering maintenance department.
    • Site Engineering maintenance facility.
    • Site Engineering control system, maintenance schedules and procedures (CMMS computerised maintenance management system).
    • Site Engineering technical stores.
    • Site Engineering technical library, both manual and electronic.
  • Fault finding and problem solving on a variety of production and site equipment.
  • Create and carry out planned maintenance schedules.
  • Liaise with suppliers and service companies regarding problem-solving and service engineer visits.
  • Identify spare parts for all equipment, in line with business strategies.
  • Liaise with Production teams and identify, implement, and optimise improvements to machinery and plant.
  • Identify and carry out Engineering improvement projects when required.
  • Actively train down skills through standardised work to both Production Operatives through TPM & other shift Engineers.
  • Work with suppliers in the installation of new and existing plant and equipment.
  • Provide technical assistance to aid in the verification of new equipment.

Essential qualifications and experience required:

  • Experience in a manufacturing environment.
  • HNC Engineering Qualification.
  • Experience in PPM and TPM.
  • Experienced in both mechanical and electrical fault-finding.
  • Experience in a fast-paced maintenance department.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing business that offers a competitive salary and a great working location.

Please note: Due to the company’s location, you must have access to your own transport.

This role involves split shifts during the day, Monday to Friday only.

Please note that you are required to be on call-out, on a rota basis, once a month to cover evenings and weekends.

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Field Service Technician – Shaftesbury, Dorset
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Shaftsbury, Dorset
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: TB06
About the role

Due to continued growth, the world’s leading provider of vehicle washing technology is recruiting a Field Service Technician to support its customer base in the Shaftesbury, Dorset area.

The role will involve Service and Installation of Car and Commercial valet equipment. You will be involved in all aspects of planned and breakdown maintenance, equipment service and repairs, keeping van stock levels to the standard requirement and completing job sheets.

Role requirements include:

  • Having an Electrical or Mechanical engineering qualification
  • Be willing to travel and stay out overnight as and when required
  • Be willing to take on additional training and relevant courses, including evening courses that the company may pay for
  • Can work on your own initiative or as part of a team, and have problem-solving skills
  • Have a valid, clean UK driving licence
  • Good people skills, presentable and able to liaise directly with customers
  • Should be punctual and able to keep accurate and timely documentation
  • IT literate with Microsoft Office and Outlook experience.
  • Work within Health & Safety guidelines as set by the company

Benefits include:

  • Company vehicle
  • Mobile phone
  • Pension scheme
  • Death in service benefit
  • Uniform and tools provided

Hours:

Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week, plus 1 in 3 weekend cover.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Field Service Technician – Leeds / Bradford
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Leeds, Bradford
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: TB07
About the role

Due to continued growth, the world’s leading provider of vehicle washing technology is recruiting a Field Service Technician to support its customer base in the Leeds / Bradford area.

The role will involve the Service and Installation of Car and Commercial valet equipment. You will be involved in all aspects of planned and breakdown maintenance, equipment service and repairs, keeping van stock levels to the standard requirement and completing job sheets.

Role requirements include:

  • Having an Electrical or Mechanical engineering qualification
  • Be willing to travel and stay out overnight as and when required
  • Be willing to take on additional training and relevant courses, including evening courses that the company may pay for
  • Can work on your own initiative or as part of a team, and have problem-solving skills
  • Have a valid, clean UK driving licence
  • Good people skills, presentable and able to liaise directly with customers
  • Should be punctual and able to keep accurate and timely documentation
  • IT literate with Microsoft Office and Outlook experience.
  • Work within Health & Safety guidelines as set by the company

Benefits include:

  • Company vehicle
  • Mobile phone
  • Pension scheme
  • Death in service benefit
  • Uniform and tools provided

Hours:

Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week, plus 1 in 3 weekend cover.

 

Just Temps acts as an Employment Business for the supply of Temporary Staff.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Lettings Negotiator
Sector: Sales
Location: Colchester
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: JC2
About the role

Just Recruitment has an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated Lettings Negotiator with confident communication skills to join a company’s team on the outskirts of Colchester.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Registering and qualifying new applicants
  • Conducting property viewings
  • Negotiating offers between tenants and landlords
  • Securing lets and progressing deals through to move-in
  • Building strong relationships with landlords and tenants
  • Supporting with marketing and property listings

Skills required include:

  • Previous experience in lettings
  • Strong sales/customer service background
  • Excellent communication and negotiation skills
  • Target-driven and self-motivated
  • Well-organised and able to manage a busy workload
  • A full UK driving licence (essential)

Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 5:30pm, with one in three Saturdays, 9:00am – 3:00pm.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Digital Marketing Executive
Sector: Marketing, Advertising and PR
Location: Ipswich
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: JC17
About the role

Just Recruitment has a fantastic opportunity for a skilled Digital Marketing Executive to join an exciting company based in Ipswich.

You will be responsible for driving business growth and boosting brand visibility through digital channels.  The role involves developing digital strategies, managing SEO, SEM, email campaigns, and social media—particularly within a B2B context. Creativity and a strong grasp of digital tools are essential.

After successfully completing the probationary period, hybrid working is available — with a minimum of 3 days in the office and up to 2 days working from home each week. Hours are 9am to 5pm.

Duties include:

  • Working with the Marketing Manager to execute the marketing strategy.
  • Drive the development, evolution and progression of websites.
  • Facilitate content population and migration, defining content, meta descriptions and relevant back-end tags as appropriate, manually transferring content and assets as required.
  • Review webpages for accuracy of copy, internal links and downloads.
  • Support the image library collation and upload process, including video content.
  • Integrate SEO into content plans, create and optimise engaging content for the website and social media.
  • Create new web pages to meet the needs of the business and the marketing plan, conducting analysis through tracking tools and reporting.

Vital professional expertise required:

  • A minimum of three years' experience in a digital marketing role.
  • Website Content Management Systems.
  • Website reporting and analytics tools (e.g. GA4).
  • A/B testing and other forms of optimisation.
  • Social media platforms and scheduling tools (e.g. Hootsuite).
  • PPC & Email marketing.
  • Prepare reports on marketing and ROI metrics.
  • Working within B2B industry.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Office Support Co-ordinator
Sector: Public Service and Administration
Salary: £25,250 per annum
Location: Tiverton, Devon
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: TB05
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with an established manufacturer, based in Tiverton, Devon, to recruit an Office Support Coordinator.

Hours: 35 hours per week. Monday to Friday, 8.30am/9.00am to 4.30pm/5.00pm.

This is a key role providing front-of-house and administrative support across the business. Responsibilities include managing the switchboard and visitors, coordinating meetings, preparing documents, and maintaining records. The position also supports the HR & Payroll Manager with drafting and formatting documents, ensuring well-organised administration. While it does not involve direct project leadership, it requires a proactive and efficient approach to daily operations.

Duties will include:

  • General administrative support to the wider business, including document creation and record maintenance
  • Support to the HR & Payroll Manager, particularly in drafting and formatting documents
  • Arranging travel – overseas and in the UK, and monitoring the effectiveness of service provisions
  • Carrying out annual tasks, such as driver licence checks for company vehicle drivers, updating and maintaining systems and databases to ensure up-to-date, accurate information
  • Phone cover and switchboard support
  • Visitor management, including sign-in and hospitality coordination
  • Meeting support, including room bookings, refreshments, and logistics
  • Support with the coordination of compliance training and logging of events and certificates
  • Utilising and creating content for our learning management platform – becoming an admin user proficient in creating and analysing reports for compliance
  • Responding to internal support requests and processing outcomes, such as placing orders for personal protective equipment and consumables, maintaining internal records and procedures
  • Assisting with documenting workflow processes to formalise our wider team procedures and ensure continual review to ensure up-to-date practices are in place
  • Administration support of the starter/leavers process, including updating our business systems

Required key skills include:

  • Exceptional communication and customer service skills to include: interpersonal, verbal and written
  • High attention to detail and accuracy
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, etc.)
  • The ability to communicate professionally at all levels
  • Interested in developing automation tools to improve efficiency
  • Comfortable investigating issues and following through to resolution
  • Discreet, professional, and collaborative in a multi-functional team environmentExcellent written English skills, with the ability to produce clear, professional documents.
  • Familiar with the organisation of events, overseas travel or similar
  • Previous experience in an office support role for a large multi-functional organisation
  • Adaptable, self-motivated, team worker with a can-do attitude who can demonstrate initiative

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. 
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more